Youth
St. Hilda-St. Patrick’s values and nurtures children. The worship service provides an opportunity for all of us to be involved in nurturing the spirituality of our children. Together, with the Holy Spirit present, we create a place where we are accepted, loved, valued, and needed.
Our middle school youth group, Children of God in Action (CIA) meets most Sundays from 9am-10:30 or so. At 9:50 the group attends the music offering of The Rock of Ages, our contemporary praise band, and then returns to their meeting space. The group joins the worship service after the Ministry of the Word. Activities are planned by the group, led by Jenn Walrath, a senior at Mountlake Terrace High School and lifelong Episcopalian. Games for fun as well as for learning, participating in the life of the larger church by serving in the liturgy, attending JYC (Junior Youth Conferences) twice annually, or Camp Huston in the summer brings this community together time and time again.
Sunday School is offered from 9:00-9:45 for children of elementary school age. This group has been found investigating the church property, exploring all the nooks, crannies, and secret passageways, as well as sharing their dramatic talents during the liturgy. The Seasons of the Spirit curriculum provides a framework for our lessons. The Sunday School teachers, in relationship with the children, create meaningful experiences aimed at deepening the understanding of our faith.
Children’s Chapel/Godly Play/Childcare is available from 10am through the Ministry of the Word. This program is intentionally developed for preschool age children. Children’s Chapel begins with setting a table with a cross and tealight candles. The children light the candles and a song is sung. This is followed by a story, such as Godly Play or book, and another song. The Lord’s Prayer is prayed, the candles extinguished and it is play time until we return to the worship service in the sanctuary.
In the Sanctuary a table is available with quiet activities–coloring, playdough, crafts–for those who prefer to stay with their parents, but need a little something to do.
